• Chamber Introduces Legislative Position Paper

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    December 02, 2013



    Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
    Legislative Position Paper
     
    The purpose of this paper is to state positions that the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (the “Chamber”) advocates regarding educational enhancement, strategic economic growth, a positive business climate and an enhanced quality of life within the Bartow County community.  These positions should act as guiding values for the Chamber in establishing policies and evaluating legislative initiatives.
     
    Specifically, the Chamber supports policies and legislation at the local, state and federal level that:
     
    • Promote unity throughout the Bartow County community.
    • Support the efforts of all accredited K-12 schools, collegiate institutions and universities to prepare our students for the 21st Century workforce.
    • Support our college and career academy and expand college offerings that target specific skills needed to develop and retain workers that meet the needs of local employers.
    • Continue Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and Grant Program placing a special emphasis on programs that expand the workforce of strategic industries and encourage dual and joint college enrollment for high school students.
    • Expand four-year degrees available through Georgia Highlands College and moves that institution toward university status, while assuring community access to basic academic and technical education.
    • Provide infrastructure funding for local school systems aimed at maintaining superior facilities and advancing technology.
    • Protect the home-rule of state and local school systems and governments without burdening those entities with unfunded mandates.
    • Nurture and protect existing local industries and businesses.  Specifically, support efforts which encourage “Buy Bartow, Work Bartow and Grow Bartow.”
    • Strategically plan for future growth while respecting our natural resources and the historical aspects of our community’s unique character areas.
    • Enhance neighborhoods, downtowns and areas designated by local governments and/or authorities for revitalization.
    • Expand infrastructure including, but not limited to, transportation, water, sewer, natural gas, electricity, telecommunication and storm water utilities.
    • Assist and support other local and state departments recruiting businesses to the community and promoting local tourism.
    • Empower families to improve their self-sufficiency through an emphasis on collaboration among local social service agencies, nonprofits, the faith community and the business sector. 
     
    The Chamber Board of Directors believes that by working together businesses and governments will enhance our community’s quality of life and continue making Bartow County a premiere place to live, work, play and learn.

    Adopted 10/23/13